Convertible Multi-Compartment Polymeric Storage Bag

ABSTRACT

A flexible polymeric pouch includes first and second walls in opposed relationship to form a storage space therebetween and having lateral sides, a top, and a bottom opposed to the top. A first closure is disposed on at least one of the first and second walls near the top and a second closure is disposed on the first and second walls between the first closure and the bottom. The first and second closures are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close each of the first and second closures. The first closure is reclosable to open and close the storage space and the second closure is reclosable so that the second closure is opened and closed to selectively divide the single storage space into separate first and second storage compartments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/895,144 filed on Oct. 24, 2013, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention generally relates to polymeric storage bags and, more particularly, to polymeric storage bags having or capable of having multiple compartments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polymeric bags or pouches are very popular household items that are used in a variety of applications, including storage of food and the like. The addition of reclosable fasteners or closures to these bags further enhanced their utility. One such reclosable fastener is a “zipper” that includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to close and open the polymeric bag. The profiles are simply pressed until they snap together to close the bag and pulled until they snap apart to open the bag. The addition of sliders to these zipper-type fasteners made the fasteners even easier to open and close because simply sliding the slider in one direction closes the bag and sliding the slider in the other direction opens the bag.

Polymeric storage bags or pouches are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. Often more than one bag must be used when more than one type of item needs to be stored. One solution was to provide polymeric storage bags having multiple compartments. While these polymeric storage bags may be useful in some specific applications, they are not very versatile. Thus, these polymeric storage bags or pouches can cause a need to purchase and store an even greater number of different types and/or configurations of polymeric storage bags or pouches. Accordingly, there is a need for improved polymeric storage bags or pouches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are polymeric bags or pouches that are convertible between different quantities of storage compartments to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. Disclosed is a flexible polymeric pouch comprising, in combination, first and second walls in opposed relationship to form a storage space therebetween and having lateral sides, a top, and a bottom opposed to the top, a first closure disposed on at least one of the first and second walls near the top, and a second closure disposed on the first and second walls between the first closure and the bottom. The first and second closures are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close the first and second closures. The second closure is reclosable so that the second closure is opened and closed to selectively divide the storage space into separate first and second storage compartments.

Also disclosed is a flexible polymeric pouch comprising, in combination, first and second walls in opposed relationship to form a storage space therebetween and having lateral sides, a top, and a bottom opposed to the top, a first closure disposed on at least one of the first and second walls near the top, and a second closure disposed on inner sides of the first and second walls between the first closure and the bottom. The second closure is a reclosable closure and includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the second closure. The first and second closures are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close the first and second closures. The second closure is opened and closed to selectively divide the storage space into separate first and second storage compartments.

Also disclosed is a flexible polymeric pouch comprising, in combination, first and second walls in opposed relationship to form a storage space therebetween and having lateral sides, a top, and a bottom opposed to the top, a first closure disposed on inner sides of the first and second walls near the top, and a second closure disposed on the inner sides of the first and second walls between the first closure and the bottom. The first closure is a reclosable closure and includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the first closure. The second closure is a reclosable closure and includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the second closure. The first and second closures are parallel and vertically spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close the first and second closures. The second closure is selectively closed to divide the storage space into separate first and second storage compartments.

From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of polymeric storage bags or pouches. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a versatile, cost-effective polymeric storage bag or pouch capable of being converted between differing quantities of storage compartments. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a polymeric storage bag or pouch according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the polymeric storage bag or pouch taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a polymeric storage bag or pouch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a polymeric storage bag or pouch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a polymeric storage bag or pouch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a polymeric storage bag or pouch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a polymeric storage bag or pouch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a polymeric storage bag or pouch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the polymeric storage bags or pouches as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes of the various components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the polymeric storage bags or pouches illustrated in the drawings. In general, up or upward generally refers to an upward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward generally refers to a downward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. Also in general, front or forward generally refers to a direction out of the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and rear or rearward generally refers to a direction into the plain of the paper in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the polymeric storage bags or pouches disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with regard to specific embodiments. Other embodiments of the present invention suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a flexible polymeric storage bag or pouch 10 according to the present invention that is configured to be convertible between different quantities of separate storage compartments 12. The illustrated flexible polymeric storage bag 10 is in the form of a reclosable thermoplastic storage bag or pouch having first and second body portions joined to one another to form first and second pouch walls 14, 16. The illustrated first and second pouch walls 14, 16 are joined at first and second lateral side portions 18, 20, respectively, and further are integral with one another at a bottom portion 22 via a fold. It is noted that alternatively the pouch walls 14, 16 can be integral at the first and second lateral side portions 18, 20 and/or can be joined at the bottom portion 22. An opening 24 is disposed at a top portion 26 of the illustrated pouch 10 between top edges or lips of the pouch walls 14, 16. Formed in this manner, the pouch 10 has an open top, closed lateral sides, and a closed bottom to form an internal storage space 28 between the walls 14, 16 that is accessible through the top opening 24. The illustrated pouch walls 14, 16 comprise low density polyethylene (LDPE)) material but any other suitable plastic can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, a polypropylene and the like.

The illustrated pouch 10 also includes first and second closures 30, 32 disposed on inner sides of the pouch walls 14, 16. The first closure 30 is located near the top opening 24 and is disposed between the second closure 32 and an upper edge of the top portion 26. The illustrated first closure 30 is a reclosable closure in the form of a zipper having complementary first and second profiles 30 a, 30 b that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the first closure 30. The zipper style first closure 30 and/or the profiles 30 a, 30 b can have any suitable configuration and can have more than one track. When the first closure 30 is located at the top edge of the top portion 26, the first closure 30 can be configured with a slider for easy opening and closing of the first closure See U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,529,129, 8,469,593, 8,376,614, 8,272,107, 8,245,364, 8,192,085, 8,176,604, 8,061,898, 7,946,766, 7,886,412, 7,857,515, 7,850,368, 7,784,160, 7,585,111, 7,574,781, 7,506,416, 7,461,434, 7,410,298, 7,364,361, 7,270.479, 7,188,394, D527,683, 7,052,181, D519,368, D490,706, D422,909, 6,021,557, 5,836,056, and 5,809,621, for examples of reclosable zippers and/or sliders, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. It is noted that the first closure 30 can alternatively be any other suitable type of closure or reclosable closure.

The second closure 32 is located below the first closure 30 and is disposed between the first closure 30 and a lower edge of the bottom portion 22. The illustrated second closure 32 is also a reclosable closure in the form of a zipper having complementary first and second profiles 32 a, 32 b that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the second closure 32. The zipper style second closure 32 and/or the profiles 32 a, 32 b can have any suitable configuration. It is noted that the second closure 32 can alternatively be any other suitable type of reclosable closure.

The illustrated second closure 32 is parallel to the first closure 30 and the two closures 30, 32 are vertically spaced from one another by a distance that is sufficiently large so that that the closures 30, 32 act as separate and independent closures. In addition, the closures 30, 32 are disposed sufficiently far apart to form a suitable storage compartment 12 a therebetween. Typically, these results are accomplished by spacing the closures 30, 32 at least about 1 inch (2.54 mm) apart, and more preferably, at least about 2 inches (5.08 mm) apart, and most preferably at least about 3 inches (7.62 mm) apart, although a different spacing may instead be used.

The first closure 30 can exhibit a first closure characteristic and the second closure 32 can exhibit a second closure characteristic different than the first closure characteristic. For example, the second closure 32 may exhibit a relatively low level of resistance to closure opening forces and/or provide a relatively high level of deformation so as to exhibit a clicking feel and/or sound when the closure 32 is opened or closed.

Because the illustrated first and second closures 30, 32 are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close the first and second closures 30, 32, the pouch 10 is convertible between a first configuration wherein the first closure 30 is closed and the second closure 32 is open so that the storage space 28 provides a single storage compartment 12 and a second configuration wherein both the first and second closures 30, 32 are closed so that the storage space is divided into separate first or upper and second or lower storage compartments 12 a, 12 b by the second closure 32. Thus the second closure 32 is opened and closed to selectively divide the single storage compartment 12 of the storage space 28 into the separate first and second storage compartments 12 a, 12 b. The illustrated first or upper and second or lower storage compartments 12 a, 12 b are each horizontally extending storage compartments located one above the other and are configured to be the same size. It is noted that the storage compartments 12 a, 12 b can alternatively be configured to have different sizes.

FIG. 3 shows a polymeric storage bag or pouch 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention that is substantially the same as the first embodiment disclosed hereinabove except that the spacing between first and second closures 30, 32 is different so that the first or upper and the second or lower storage compartments 12 a, 12 b have different sizes. The spacing of the illustrated second embodiment is such that the first or upper storage compartment 12 a has a smaller size than the second or lower storage compartment 12 b. More specifically, the first or upper storage compartment 12 a has a size that is about one-half of the size of the second or lower storage compartment 12 b but any other suitable sizes can alternatively be formed.

FIG. 4 shows a polymeric storage bag or pouch 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention that is substantially the same as the second embodiment disclosed hereinabove except that the spacing between first and second closures 30, 32 is such that the first or upper storage compartment 12 a has a larger size than the second or lower storage compartment 12 b. More specifically, the first or upper storage compartment 12 a has a size that is about twice the size of the second or lower storage compartment 12 b but any other suitable sizes can alternatively be formed.

FIG. 5 shows a polymeric storage bag or pouch 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention that is substantially the same as the third embodiment disclosed hereinabove except that a third reclosable closure 34 is provided between the first and second closures 30, 32. The illustrated third closure 34 is reclosable closure in the form of a zipper and is constructed the same as and parallel to the second closure 32. The illustrated first, second, and third closures 30, 32, 34 are spaced apart sufficient distances to permit a user to independently open and close each of the first, second, and third closures 30, 32, 34. Thus, the first storage compartment 12 a is configured to be selectively further divided into upper and lower portions 12 c, 12 d by the third closure 34. Configured in this manner, the second and third closures 32, 34 can be operated to selectively divide the storage space 28 into one, two, or three separate storage compartments and/or portions of storage compartments. In the illustrated embodiment, the closures 30, 32, 34 are spaced apart distances sufficient to provide three compartments and/or portions of storage compartments of the same size but the closures 30, 32, 34 can alternatively be spaced apart distances sufficient to provide any other suitable combination of sizes. It is noted that the third closure 34 can alternatively be located at any other suitable location. It is also noted that the pouch 300 can alternatively be provided with more than three reclosable closures 30, 32, 34 so that the storage space 28 of the pouch 300 can be selectively divided into more than three compartments and/or portions of compartments.

FIG. 6 shows a polymeric storage bag or pouch 400 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention that is substantially the same as the first embodiment disclosed hereinabove except that are six reclosable closures 32-42 provided between the first closure 30 and the bottom portion 22 of the pouch 400. This embodiment illustrates that there can be any desired number of reclosable closures 32-42 located between the first closure 30 and the bottom portion 22 of the pouch 400. The illustrated second through seventh closures 32-42 are reclosable closures in the form of zippers and are each constructed the same as and parallel to the second closure 32 described above. The illustrated first to seventh closures 30-42 are spaced apart sufficient distances to permit a user to independently open and close each of the first to seventh closures 30-42. Thus, the storage space 28 can be selectively divided into one to seven separate storage spaces or compartments. Configured in this manner, the second to seventh closures 32-42 can be operated to selectively divide the storage space 28 into one to seven separate storage compartments 12 e-12 k with more than one configuration providing each of one to six storage compartments. In the illustrated embodiment, the closures 30-42 are spaced apart distances sufficient to provide seven compartments 12 e-12 k of the same size when each of the closures 30-42 are closed. This can be useful, for example, for separating and storing daily medications for a week. It is noted that the closures 30-42 can alternatively be spaced apart distances sufficient to provide any other suitable combination of sizes. It is also noted that the pouch 400 can alternatively be provided with less than or more than six reclosable closures 32-42 between the first closure 30 and the bottom portion 22 of the pouch 400 so that the storage space 28 of the pouch 400 can be selectively divided into other quantities and/or configurations of storage compartments.

FIG. 7 shows a polymeric storage bag or pouch 500 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention that is substantially the same as the first embodiment disclosed hereinabove except that the second storage compartment 12 b is configured to be further divided into separate lateral or side-by-side portions 12 l, 12 m by a vertically extending seal 44 that is perpendicular to and below the second closure 32. The seal 44 between and connects the lateral walls 14, 16. The illustrated seal 44 is substantially parallel to the lateral side portions 18, 20 and centrally located between the lateral side portions 18, 20 to form lateral portions 12 l, 12 m of equal size. It is noted that the seal 44 can be alternatively positioned at any other suitable location to provides lateral portions 12 l, 12 m of different sizes and/or there can be more than one vertical seal 44 to form more than two lateral portions 12 l, 12 m. It is also noted that any one or more of the storage compartments and/or portions of storage compartments can be divided by one or more vertical seals 44. The vertical seal 44 can be formed by a heat weld between the first and second pouch walls 14, 16 or in any other suitable manner such as, for example, a vertically oriented zipper closure, adhesive, and the like.

FIG. 8 shows a polymeric storage bag or pouch 600 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention that is substantially the same as the first embodiment disclosed hereinabove except that the first closure 30 is in the form of a fold over flap 46 instead of a zipper. The fold over flap 46 illustrates that the first closure 30 can be of any other suitable type of reclosable closure. It is noted that the first closure 30 can alternatively be a non-reclosable closure if desired.

Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in any combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

It is apparent from the forgoing disclosure and detailed description that the present invention provides polymeric bags or pouches 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 that can be easily converted between different storage configurations. For the two closure embodiments, the second closure 32 can remain open so that items can be stored in the entire storage space 28 or the second closure 32 can be closed so that different items can be stored in the separate storage compartments 12 a, 12 b formed by the second closure 32. For example, chips, vegetables, or the like could be stored in the first storage compartment 12 a while dip is stored in the second storage compartment 12 b. Also for example, a sandwich can be stored in the first storage compartment 12 a while a condiment (or condiments when subdivided) can be stored in the second storage compartment 12 b. It is also apparent that the present invention can be utilized to separately store an item in the separate storage compartments 12 a, 12 b and mixed at the time of use within the entire storage space 28 (or a combination of storage compartments if there are more than two). For example, a first item like lettuce and/or other salad components can be stored in the first storage compartment 12 b while a second item to be mixed with the first item like salad dressing can be separately stored in the second storage compartment 12 b. When it is time to mix the first and second items, the second closure 32 is opened, while the first closure 30 remains closed, so that the first and second items can be mixed by shaking the pouch 10 while the first closure 30 remains closed. The mixed first and second items can then be removed from the pouch 10 by opening the first closure 30.

From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it is also apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible polymeric pouch comprising, in combination: first and second walls in opposed relationship to form a storage space therebetween and having lateral sides, a top, and a bottom opposed to the top; a first closure disposed on at least one of the first and second walls near the top; a second closure disposed on the first and second walls between the first closure and the bottom; wherein the first and second closures are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close the first and second closures; and wherein the second closure is reclosable so that the second closure is opened and closed to selectively divide the storage space into separate first and second storage compartments.
 2. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 1, wherein first storage compartment is located below the second closure and the second storage compartment is located above the second closure.
 3. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 1, wherein first and second storage compartments have substantially the same size.
 4. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 1, wherein first and second storage compartments have different sizes.
 5. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second storage compartments is configured to be selectively further divided into upper and lower portions by a third closure, wherein the third closure is a reclosable closure, and wherein the first, second, and third closures are spaced apart sufficient distances to permit a user to independently open and close the first, second, and third closures.
 6. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second storage compartments is configured to be further divided into lateral portions by at least one vertically extending seal between the lateral walls.
 7. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 1, wherein the second closure includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the second closure.
 8. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 1, wherein the first closure is a reclosable closure.
 9. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 8, wherein the first closure includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the first closure.
 10. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 8, wherein the first and second closures are parallel and vertically spaced apart.
 11. A flexible polymeric pouch comprising, in combination: first and second walls in opposed relationship to form a storage space therebetween and having lateral sides, a top, and a bottom opposed to the top; a first closure disposed on at least one of the first and second walls near the top; a second closure disposed on inner sides of the first and second walls between the first closure and the bottom; wherein the second closure is a reclosable closure and includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the second closure; wherein the first and second closures are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close the first and second closures; and wherein the second closure is opened and closed to selectively divide the storage space into separate first and second storage compartments.
 12. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 11, wherein first storage compartment is located below the second closure and the second storage compartment is located above the second closure.
 13. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 11, wherein first and second storage compartments have substantially the same size.
 14. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 11, wherein first and second storage compartments have different sizes.
 15. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second storage compartments is configured to be selectively further divided into separate upper and lower portions by a third closure, wherein the third closure is reclosable closure, and wherein the first, second, and third closures are spaced apart sufficient distances to permit a user to independently open and close the first, second, and third closures.
 16. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second storage compartments is configured to be further divided into separate lateral portions by at least one vertically extending seal between the lateral walls.
 17. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 11, wherein the first closure is a reclosable closure.
 18. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 17, wherein the first closure includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the first closure.
 19. The flexible polymeric pouch according to claim 17, wherein the first and second closures are parallel and vertically spaced apart.
 20. A flexible polymeric pouch comprising, in combination: first and second walls in opposed relationship to form a storage space therebetween and having lateral sides, a top, and a bottom opposed to the top; a first closure disposed on inner sides of the first and second walls near the top; wherein the first closure is a reclosable closure and includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the first closure; a second closure disposed on the inner sides of the first and second walls between the first closure and the bottom; wherein the second closure is a reclosable closure and includes complementary first and second profiles that releasably engage each other to selectively open and close the second closure; wherein the first and second closures are parallel and vertically spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a user to independently open and close the first and second closures; and wherein the second closure is selectively closed to divide the storage space into separate first and second storage compartments. 